Details

Tittle:

Innovative waterproof waist bag that can be converted into a lifejacket

Summary:

A team of Greek engineers have developed a waterproof waist bag to protect personal valuables (keys, money, mobile phone) from theft during swimming, which can also be converted into a lifejacket. It is distinctive, compact and can allow the use of mobile phone or other electronic devices during swimming. SMEs active in clothing and other related accessories for the water sports market interested to conclude licensing agreement and manufacturing agreement are sought.

Description:

A team of Greek engineers have developed a novel waterproof waist bag to protect personal items (keys, money, mobile phone etc.) from theft during swimming while it can be also used as a lifejacket in emergency purposes.

More analytically, it is divided into two parts: One part is placed in or next to a bag that closes with two corrosion-resistant rails which are fastened between two thumb screws, so that the inflow of water is practically impossible.

The second part of the system is a folded lifejacket containing carbon dioxide filled cartridge as well as its trigger mechanism. The mechanism connects the cartridge (which is screwed on) with the inner part of the lifejacket through an enclosed air-tight hole. The activation is done by pulling the cord which in turn pushes a piston that pierces the cartridge passing through the mechanism of the air inside the lifejacket. The bag closes with a film which allows easy and convenient release of the lifejacket. In case of emergency, the user just pulls the string and the life jacket will automatically inflate in just 3 seconds. The waist bag features also an adjustable strap and safety clasp.

Concerning its practical usability, it can be used in various water activities where taking personal belongings such as a smartphone is quite risky since water can irreparably damage them. Those activities include all sorts of water sports and activities like water ski, kite surfing, swimming, fishing, sailing, lifeguarding etc. The protection is achieved owing to a waterproof case that is placed in a special plastic bag and seals tightly (double protection).

The lifejacket can be released and used many times, either by replacing the air canister or by just blowing through the inflation tube. Also, the air canister mechanism has been converted in such a way allowing the user to use common affordable bike air canisters (bike pumps) that can be found easily at various bike stores or other hardware stores.

In addition, the lifejacket can support enough weight for a big swimmer, and it is not just for personal use since it can be easily detached from the waist bag.

Regarding its qualitative features, all fabric selections have been specifically chosen to keep user feels great while at the same time all his personal belongings are safe in waterproof materials. Zippers and all accessories are carefully selected for the best performance of the bag.

In brief, the proposed innovative waist bag constitutes a necessary tool for sea lovers, bathers at sea and swimming pools, for usage in various types of vessels (yachts, sailing, fishing, inflatable boats etc.), lifeguards and those engaged in marine sports as they can protect their personal items from water and theft and at the same time save their life during swimming.

The company is in need of finding partners active in water sports clothing and related accessories to manufacture, further develop and commercially exploit the proposed waist bag. The considered types of agreement are licensing agreement and manufacturing agreement.

Advantages and Innovations:

The innovative bag offers a series of advantages to the users as detailed here below:
- It offers safe storage of valuable personal items (such as mobile phone, keys, money etc.) keeping them secure from the risk of theft while the user is away from the shore.
- It also provides the ability to use stored electronic devices (mobile phone or music player) while in the water, since the bag features waterproof jack plug for headphone cable.
- Additionally, the proposed bag can easily be converted to a lifejacket under emergency situations. It can help not only the user of the bag in any case of panic, fear or injury but also a person who is near him/her as the lifejacket can be easily detached from the bag.

Moreover, it can be used for everyday activities since it is a really nice fit for men or women.Finally, its novelty is validated as it has been granted a patent.

Stage of Development:

Already on the market

IPs:

Patents granted

CommeR Statunts Regarding IPR Status:

1500 pieces were tested in China and were successfully marketed.
A patent in Greece has been granted for the offered technology while an application PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) has been filled to safeguard the global market.

Partner sought

Type and Role of Partner Sought:

- Type of partner sought: SMEs.

- Specific area of activity of the partner: Production of water sports clothing and related accessories.

- Task to be performed by the partner sought: potential partners should have the capacity to manufacture, further develop and commercially exploit the proposed technology through licensing agreement and manufacturing agreement. The possibility of custom-made production for addressing new potential market sectors is also open for discussion.

The Greek team has the technical and manufacturing expertise for any detail or assistance needed.